Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpfin sunfish (Masturus lanceolatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Molidae that grows up to 337 cm.
Description
The sharptail mola is an ocean sunfish (Molidae) occurring worldwide in tropical and temperate seas. The species is a gigantic, strongly laterally compressed fish with an almost truncated rear, but - unlike the common sunfish - with a projecting point in the middle of the tail fringe (clavus), to which the name refers. It lives pelagically in the open ocean. It feeds mainly on jellyfish and other gelatinous plankton. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpfin sunfish?
The Sharpfin sunfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Giant sunfish with a projecting point in the tail margin; feeds mainly on jellyfish.
Where does the Sharpfin sunfish live?
The Sharpfin sunfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in tropical and temperate seas; pelagic in the open ocean.
How big does the Sharpfin sunfish get?
The Sharpfin sunfish grows to a maximum of about 337 cm.
Is the Sharpfin sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpfin sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sharpfin sunfish edible?
The Sharpfin sunfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Molidae
Want the complete picture on the Sharpfin sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpfin sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.